Ras was so busy chomping his apple, he didn’t notice her at first. She said, “Pardon,” twice before he glanced up. When he did, he nearly choked, recognizing her. He started to stand, grappling with the apple core and the lid to his water, but Kit protested. “Please, don’t rise. It’s quite all right. I can see I’m interrupting your midday meal.”
“Princess Katrinetta, I am honored. Please, have some.” He offered her the few bites that clung to the core, and Kit was moved that he would try to give her what little he had when he had nothing, much like Pim.
“Thank you, but I’m not hungry just now. May I sit with you?”
Ras looked further shocked but nodded, and Kit spread her skirts and sat down next to him, taking a deep breath and quickly regretting it. He smelled of sweat and horses, and not in a good way. She tried not to make a face. He obviously worked hard for the little he had, and she didn’t want to make him feel badly. “You are a delivery driver?”
